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Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Md Helicopters Md 530f

The Airbus Helicopters H135 and H145 are both light twin‑engine utility helicopters commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport, while the MD Helicopters MD 530F is a lighter single‑engine helicopter typically focused on training, patrol, observation, and light utility roles. In category terms, the H145 sits above the H135 as a larger, higher‑payload light twin, whereas the MD 530F is a smaller single‑engine platform with simpler operating economics but less redundancy. For range, the H135 and H145 are broadly similar in typical mission profiles, generally offering medium ranges on the order of a few hundred nautical miles depending on configuration, reserves, and fuel options, with the H145 often benefiting from greater fuel/payload flexibility. The MD 530F usually has a shorter practical range than the Airbus twins, though exact figures vary with tanks and operating conditions. Passenger capacity also separates them: the H135 commonly carries about 5–7 passengers (plus pilot[s]) depending on layout, the H145 typically about 8–9 passengers (plus pilot[s]), and the MD 530F generally accommodates around 4 passengers (plus pilot).

SpecAIRBUS H135AIRBUS H145MD Helicopters MD 530F
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 9.31$ 3.59
Min Crew111
Total Seats9104
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersAirbus HelicoptersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH135H145MD 530F
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342352216
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.93$ 0.90
Max Cabin Seats793
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)312442001509
Standard Cabin Seats782
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 1,210$ 480
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixEFISGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136130134
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$10,200,000$ 3,400,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats9104
ConfigurationGreen InteriorGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats793
Standard Cabin Seats782
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelArrius 2B2+Arriel 2E250-C30
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400040002000
Horsepower660894650
No. of Engines221
Fuel Burn (gph)35
Fuel Capacity (gal)64
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.544.832.2
Overall Height (ft)12.6138.7
Rotor Diameter (ft)3436.127.5
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173166
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)46.8